1 Samuel 30

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXX.—Saul’s sparing of the Amalekites did but entail murder and ravage on his own subjects. When we go abroad we know not what scenes of mourning may meet us at our return. And, the more comfort we promise ourselves in the creature, the more bitter will be our disappointment. We had need to be always in the way of our duty, as it is only in that we can expect God’s protection to ourselves and families. He can marvellously restrain the rage of the most barbarous, and save his people alive in their hands. How hard is it to bear heavy trials without fretting against the Lord, and raging against those who imprudently occasion them! But circumstances can never be so bad but there is ground for faith in the promises of God. To encourage ourselves in him as our God is the surest and shortest method of relief from our troubles: and they are generally great saints indeed who become such by means of great sufferings. If, by neglecting to consult God, we have formerly plunged ourselves into trouble, we ought the more earnestly to ask his direction, in order to get out of them. He can at once arrest the adversary, and conduct us to them. Even discouraging providences in our way should but excite and animate our faith to press forward. Cruelty, even to servants, entails misery on the guilty, while compassion and charity usually brings its own reward. We know not how much good or evil the weakest instruments may do us. Great events often depend on small and unexpected accidents. Carnal security is the great mean of a sinner’s destruction. The dance and song often hand them forward into everlasting fire; when destruction cometh upon them suddenly in an instant. Such followers of Christ as are willing, but weak, ought to be comforted under their infirmities: but the heart of the covetous is hardened against the sufferings of the needy: and it is neither the best companions, nor the best instructions, that will change the hearts of men of Belial: but rulers must oblige such to comply with the ministrations of equity. Such as have shewn us kindness deserve a recompence when God puts it in our power; nay, liberality in compliments is, on some occasions, great prudence, and an urgent letter of recommendation. But in a time of need it will require all engagements to constrain us to our duty